Articulating recreational vehicle rack

Abstract

The invention relates to an articulating storage and transportation system for recreational vehicles, comprising a rack mounted on a cargo box attached to a rear door. The system features a parallelogram mechanism with linear actuators, allowing the rack to lower while maintaining a parallel orientation to the cargo box surface. This design improves accessibility for loading and unloading equipment, particularly bicycles. The rack can rest on the opposite door's tire for added stability and incorporates modular attachments for versatility. Additional features include a locking mechanism, guiding system, and potential integration of powered accessories, enhancing functionality and user experience for RV enthusiasts.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A storage and transportation system for a recreational vehicle, comprising:
 a cargo box configured to be mounted on a rear door of the recreational vehicle;   a parallelogram mechanism connected to the cargo box, the parallelogram mechanism comprising a plurality of arms; and   at least one actuator configured to control movement of the parallelogram mechanism, wherein the parallelogram mechanism is configured to lower the cargo box from a stowed position to an extended position while maintaining the cargo box substantially parallel to the ground.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a rack frame attached to the cargo box via the parallelogram mechanism, wherein the parallelogram mechanism is configured to lower the rack frame while maintaining the rack frame substantially parallel to a top surface of the cargo box. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the rack frame is configured to rest on a tire mounted on an opposing rear door of the recreational vehicle when in the stowed position. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator comprises dual linear actuators, each having a 16-inch overall length with a 6-inch stroke capability and rated to exert 1800 pounds of force. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising a control circuit configured to electrically synchronize the actuators to ensure simultaneous extension and retraction. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a counterbalance mechanism configured to prevent uneven movement of the cargo box during operation of the parallelogram mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the cargo box in the stowed position, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hood latch system. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the rack frame is configured to accommodate attachments designed for standard roof rack systems. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a guiding mechanism comprising a protrusion and a corresponding receptacle configured to align the cargo box as it is raised to the stowed position. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the parallelogram mechanism comprises a nested parallelogram structure configured to extend the cargo box to a position proximate ground level. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a modular attachment system on the rack frame configured to accommodate interchangeable equipment mounts. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a power supply system configured to provide electrical power to the at least one actuator through a trailer hitch electrical connection. 
     
     
         13 . A storage and transportation system for a recreational vehicle having first and second rear doors, comprising:
 a cargo box mounted on the first rear door of the recreational vehicle;   a support structure mounted on the second rear door of the recreational vehicle;   a weight compensation system configured to engage between the cargo box and the support structure when the first and second rear doors are closed, thereby distributing weight between both doors; and   a parallelogram mechanism connected to the cargo box, the parallelogram mechanism configured to lower the cargo box from a stowed position to an extended position while maintaining the cargo box substantially parallel to the ground.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the weight compensation system comprises precision-machined steel engagement mechanisms comprising a male connector mounted on the cargo box assembly and a corresponding female receiver mounted on the support structure. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising dual linear actuators, each capable of exerting at least 2000 pounds of force to accommodate the increased weight capacity of the full-width system. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a visual indicator visible from a driver's position to confirm proper engagement of the weight compensation system. 
     
     
         17 . A method for operating a storage and transportation system on a recreational vehicle, comprising:
 mounting a cargo box on a rear door of the recreational vehicle;   connecting a parallelogram mechanism to the cargo box;   actuating the parallelogram mechanism to lower the cargo box from a stowed position to an extended position while maintaining the cargo box substantially parallel to the ground; and   accessing contents of the cargo box at the extended position.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising attaching a rack frame to the cargo box via the parallelogram mechanism and securing equipment to the rack frame when the rack frame is in the extended position. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising engaging a counterbalance mechanism to prevent uneven movement during operation of the parallelogram mechanism. 
     
     
         20 . A box lift system for a recreational vehicle, comprising:
 a cargo box configured to be mounted on a rear door of the recreational vehicle;   a parallelogram linkage system connected to the cargo box;   at least one gas strut configured to compensate for approximately 300 pounds of weight with a slight positive bias to assist in raising the cargo box while maintaining position when fully lowered; and   a hood latch locking mechanism to secure the cargo box in a raised position,   
       wherein the parallelogram linkage system is configured to maintain the cargo box in a horizontal orientation throughout its range of motion. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the gas struts comprise nitrogen-filled cylinders with pressure ratings between 150-200 PSI at ambient temperature and incorporate a progressive damping mechanism. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a smart cargo box configuration incorporating multiple powered accessories including an integrated air compressor system, a slide-out refrigerated compartment, and an auxiliary lighting system with LED strips and integrated vehicle signaling lights. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the electrical system is designed around a 15-amp 12V power supply derived from a trailer hitch electrical connection with a supplementary battery system within the cargo box. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the parallelogram mechanism arms are constructed from steel and the cargo box attachment utilizes ⅜-inch bolts on bushings with a steel reinforcement plate installed inside the cargo box. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein a rack frame is constructed from aluminum to minimize overall weight while providing adequate strength for equipment mounting, and mounting hardware utilizes marine-grade stainless steel fasteners.